Writing isn’t for everyone. It’s true. But writing can IMPACT you greatly, if you let it!

My guest today is going to share some of what she’s learned from writing. (Oh, and she writes for a living, too!)

So please welcome Samantha Wilson to center stage.

Take it away, Samantha!

I HATED Writing

Since childhood, one of the things I used to abhor was writing. It was like a repellent primarily because I thought it was repetitive, mundane and time consuming. I often used to get lost while writing, as there seemed to be no sense of direction, purpose or end to it.

It wasn’t until I entered college that I was forced to write all sorts of narratives, and before I knew it, writing actually became a habit!

One thing led to another and I started jotting down random thoughts on my phone, then pieces of paper and eventually my own personal diaries.

It was during this period that I realized the power of writing; something which starts as an intuition, then a thought and eventually a whole concept or piece of wisdom, once on paper. This written ‘piece’ then starts getting its derivatives and permutations until it actually takes the form of a masterpiece or sometimes utter non-sense, which only you can comprehend (yes – you get those “off” days or writer’s block every now and then!).

Let me tell you, I’ve had a rough few months. First, my computer got hacked. (Give this a read and learn how to protect yourself from falling victim to a scam! I’m sure Carolyn from The Wonder of Tech would appreciate a few new readers!)

I also re-vamped my site. A bit. I created a Resource Kit (it’s on its own page). I re-did my home page (it’s now called All About Wording Well). I optimized my SEO for my Freelancing Services page, which links to the four different services Wording Well offers. And I have attempted to make it easier for readers to comment on my site. (Turns out, people were having problems AND DIDN’T TELL ME!)

So I enabled the free version of CommentLuv. I hope it’s easier for you to speak your mind now! (IF IT ISN’T, PLEASE TELL ME! Email me, talk to me on Facebook, use Twitter, but TELL ME!)

Resources for You (and an Advertising Opportunity!)

Some people have paid me to “advertise” on this page via a link, too. Because their content is awesome, I allowed this.

I will extend the same courtesy to YOU. If you have a post that contains a plethora of information and is helpful, and want me to add a link to your site from one of my pages or posts, please contact me with your query.

Tell me which post you want to advertise on, and send me the link of the post you want me to link to. If it’s Wording Well-worthy, I’ll send you an invoice via PayPal, which is safe, secure, and free to use. It does not require an account and accepts credit cards.

Freelancing Resources for You

I’ve come across a few SUPERB resources that other freelancers I know have created… such as Gina Horkey’s courses, Elna Cain’s courses, and a post by Brent Jones (which you surely MUST”VE seen by now…)

In case you haven’t, give it a read.

It’s called 70 Freelancers Reveal Their Best Source of New Business.

Brent also has a special offer for you, and I’m excited to tell you that IF YOU CLICK THIS LINK AND BUY HIS $9 PRODUCT, I make a small commission for helping you out.

That’s the kinda guy Brent is. 😉

Find out everything at:http://lreguly.bhxm290.hop.clickbank.net

(Brent Jones’ post for freelancers)

Apparently, the freelancers who contributed to this article earned an average of OVER $40K in 2015, and are earning even more this year!

I highly suggest that you check this out if you are a freelancer (either new or established) who is looking for new ideas on how and where to earn money!

Brent has also created a premium product, 62 Strategies to Establish or Increase Your Prices.

It’s only $9 and features many of the same freelancers who contributed to his post.

Check it out OR just READ THE POST FOR FREE!

Did You Know…?

You can use your life experiences to move yourself and your business forward. I did! (And I’m still doing it!)

Good freelancers know their worth, but new freelancers are often uncomfortable asking for a raise, even if they know in their hearts that they deserve it.

Asking for a raise can be intimidating for a lot of people. (Heck, setting your own rates is tough, too!)

Today, I’m going to try to make things more comfortable for you.

By the end of this post, you’ll have the confidence to ask for the raise you deserve!

You’ll also gain a bit of insight into the negotiation process through a specific experience I had with one of my clients.

Give Valid Reasons for Your Request

For those of you who have been following my blog for a while, you’ll probably remember that I used to guest blog monthly on a site called Dear Blogger, owned by Greg Narayan.

I took Greg on as a client back in 2013, when I first began freelancing, and performed three different services for him: writing monthly blog posts of my own, editing some of his blog posts, and sharing Dear Blogger posts on Twitter on a regular basis.

I was paid for each of these services, too.

After six months of writing fabulous posts for him (which were, naturally, edited to perfection!), I decided that the rate of $50 USD simply wasn’t enough anymore, and so I wanted to up my rate to $75 USD.

(If you take a look at the post I wrote for Dear Blogger called Guest-Posting and Guest-Hosting: Best Practices, you’ll not only be witness to some stellar writing but you’ll see that this post is priceless! The tips offered in that post are evergreen, too, which further proves that I definitely was not charging enough!)

Anyway, about three weeks prior to this decision, I had also decided to increase my editing rates. I gave Greg one month’s notice regarding this change, and I also posted a notice of the upcoming increase on my Services page.

When I sent Greg my “bill” for May 2014, I wrote the following email to inform him of the change I was making: Read More

Today I want to tell you about one of the gifts I’ve received last year. I also have a video for you to watch.

To set the stage, let me first tell you that in mid-February of 2014, Wording Well, my main website, was born. In addition to being a blogger and a freelance writer, I began to offer editing services as well. (I’ve since added blogging coaching/consultation services to my list.)

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